[Yr7-10it] How students understand computing concepts

[Roland Gesthuizen]

Good point Paul, students have some odd conceptions about how computers
work. I recall using a particular series of operations on a calculator This
would return an odd number that illustrated the cumulative error from all
the iterations going on .. simple problems that students can figure out in
their head.

Regards Roland


On 28/04/06, Dr Paul Chandler <paul.chandler at yvg.vic.edu.au> wrote:
>
>  Folks,
>
> Over the last couple of years, I've been turning an idea around in my
> mind; it's basically seeking to better understand "how students understand
> computing concepts".  For those who might know of "children's science" in
> the area of science teaching, the idea is to apply the same sorts of ideas
> to the understanding of computing concepts (and yes, I am deliberately using
> 'computing' rather than IT or ICT).  Another way to put it would be to
> 'probe the naïve understandings of computing'.
>
> I've put together some thoughts in a couple of seminars - a couple of
> years ago at a VITTA conference, and more recently at a gathering at Monash
> Uni.  I'm happy to share these around to anyone interested.
>
> Moreover, I'm trying to drum up a bit of interest in people who might be
> interested in similar sorts of things.  Without flooding the list with a
> whole lot of material which may not be of interest to everyone, it's not
> easy to give much more of an overview of what I am thinking of.  BUT if I
> have sparked your interest at all, please reply, and I'll be in touch.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
> Dr. Paul Chandler
> Professional Development Coordinator
> Yarra Valley Grammar
> paul.chandler at yvg.vic.edu.au
> ICQ: 54193141
> Ph: 9262 7809 (direct), 9262 7700 (switch)
> Fax: 9876 1077
>
>
> *DISCLAIMER:*
>
> This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended
> solely for the use of the individual to whom they are addressed.
>
> If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender
> immediately by return email and then delete this message.
>
> Any views expressed in this email are those of the individual sender and
> may not necessarily reflect the views of Yarra Valley Grammar.
>
> YVG Mail security - Checked
>
>


--
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.edulists.com.au/pipermail/yr7-10it/attachments/20060428/9e76b82e/attachment.html